University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Lauren

pick unc

Carissa

Be open. You can pretty much make something awesome out of anywhere you end up. Also, don't focus too much on what you think you want to study in college - it is probably going to change!

Joanna

I think parents should let their children find the colleges they are most interested, giving advice and encouragement but excluding force and pressure. Students should look at all aspects of universities: social life, sports, size, location, area, distance from home. To make the most of the college experience, students should understand that college is based around academics but it is important that they should have fun and enjoy themselves. They should reach out beyond their comfort zones: participate in class if usually they are shy, join a club, try an intermural sport they have never played. College is all about learning, both in classes and about yourself!

Danielle

I would tell parents and students alike to visit a great number of college campuses before making a decision on a school. Apply to a lot of different schools, with differences in size, in diversity, in location so that you can be sure to find the best fit. Also, when you visit these campuses, talk to students who attend that university. Ask them questions about what they like and dislike about their school. I know that in my experience visiting colleges, the tour guides tend to only tell about the benefits and strengths of the school, so it would most definitely be beneficial to talk to a normal student who could give you their take on the schools strengths and weaknesses. Once you find that perfect school, get involved! This is one way to quickly feel connected to your campus and a real part of the school, no matter the size. Find your friends, find your niche, somewhere you personally fit and live your college life the way you choose.

Jessica

The "right" college - is there really such a thing? Its about choosing to love where you are. I could have been equally happy or unhappy where I am. I know people that hate it here, because they choose to hate it. I chose to get plugged in with the organizations that share my passions; I chose to balance academics and friends; I chose to fall in love with the campus and lovingly make fun of the things that bothered me. Sure, college is hard. New people, hard work, new surroundings - but, that is all part of life. Make sure to chose a school has the major you want, and the rest - just make the best of it. College is what you make it. Make it good. Work hard, play hard, serve others, love these four short years.

Amelia

Pick the school you want to go to, not the school your parents or friends think would be best for you.

Ashley

The best advice I can give anyone when they are looking for a university that suits them is "follow your heart". I know it's cliche, but many times our parents will try to force us to go to a school where we feel unhappy and overwhelmed. Visit as many college campuses as you possibly can. Go on tours, don't be afraid to talk to professors and students about what they love about their campus, the academics, and the extracurricular activities. The more options you give yourself the easier it will be to see where your best fit is. You'll find the school that is right for you, but you definitely have to put in some effort.

Sarah

The best thing I can advise would be to take the time to visit schools. Walk around campus. Talk to students. Stay the weekend in a dorm if you can. The school you pick will be your home for the next four years, so it's so important to get a real feel for the place. Carolina wasn't the highest-ranked school I was accepted to, and since I'm in-state, I thought I wanted to go farther away. I didn't think Carolina was for me, but one weekend of walking around, seeing how happy and real the students were, and taking in the sights of our incredibly beautiful campus, had me hooked. Be open, because the place you think is for you might not be the best fit, so it's definitely worth giving every school a fair consideration. And go to Carolina. For real. That is the best piece of advice I can give.

Ryan

Begin your college search early. Visit different schools, and do not keep just one school in mind because you might not get in. Apply for financial aid if possible. Begin saving money for college early as well. Be open to different opinions, because there are hundreds of them on most campuses. The most important thing is to have fun and make great friends.

Brandon

As far as finding the right college goes, going on campus tours and figuring out what you like and what you want out of your college experience will help you to find the right college. Whether it is strong academics, small classes, or phenomenal sports teams, finding the right college for you is one of the most important decisions you will make. Once you make that decision though, becoming involved with your college will allow you to get the most out of your college experience. I love UNC Chapel Hill so much because there is always something to get involved in. I have never gone a day without having something else to do outside of my classwork. From our amazing sports teams, and campus organizations, to an incredible resource for community service, I can truly say that college has been the best years of my life thus far. Whenever school work becomes overwhelming, I always have my friends and extra curricular activies like intermural sports to turn to for enjoyment and relaxation.

Janel

Advice that I would give to a parent or student is know what size school you are looking for, know what type of career path they want to pursue. I would also investigate what type of security system is in place at the college. Know what type of activites the student is looking for at the school. I think they should look at the student composition of the school. Another main thing is how many graduates are employed in their degree area upon graduation.

Taylor

It is important to remember that college is not solely about succeeding accademically. It is important to choose a college which supports social, cultural, and educational growth in a way that makes a student feel challenged but comfortable. Remember that the highest ranked academic schools will provide you with abundant knowledge, but may hinder social growth as there is little time to focus on anything but schoolwork. Conversely, a socially popular school may provide you with a fun experience, but might not challenge you enough academically in order to prepare you for life after college. It is, therefore, crucial to find a middleground where social experiences and academic learning can coexist so that a student can get the most out of his/her college experience and graduate feeling prepared to take on the challenges of life after college.

Min

I would say choosing a college that has a friendly enviroment is the most important of all. It is easy for students to fall into depression for having to adapt to a completely new environment, getting away from home and being independent, and making new friends, but if the campus is lively and students are full of enthusiasm, the chances are that they will enjoy their college life to the fullest. Academics and careers are important too, but I think those four years in college is when you can learn the most about life. It's more important to learn it well now than to struggle later on in your life, because your grades and careers are not the only factors that will affect your life. I also think you should check to see if the school has good alumni or not. Networking is very important, and it is so much easier to get a job through people you know than to find it yourself. Usually small schools are good for this, because alumni are very loyal to their school. In whatever the case, choosing a school that you could fit into easily is the most important thing.

Sarah

As an Admissions Ambassador I get asked both these questions frequently, especially when those on my tours learn I am an out of state student at a state supported college. Many recognize the names of the excellent colleges I passed on that are in my home state. What I tell them is after narrowing my choices, I visited each campus and arranged to stay with a student so that I could talk to and interract with current students and have them share what they liked or did not like about their campus. I feel in- depth visits are critical in the decision making process. I also encourage anyone to make a comparision chart of each school they are considering. Often when you see costs, location, etc. side by side, the choice becomes very clear. And lastly, if all things being equal, go with your heart. Choose the one that you felt the happiest at during your visit. Join organizations! It is awesome to meet and interact with so many diverse people and be exposed to new opinions and cultures and activities. My number one suggestion though is to get to know your professors! Visit them often during office hours.

Cara

Visit a college, and stay overnight. Even visit a few times during the year to see the atmosphere. You cannot judge the college by one visit. Make sure you know the type of people that go to the college, and try to imagine yourself fitting in there. If you cannot see yourself at that college, then that means it is not a good fit for you, but you will never know until you try. Make the mistake while applying not after you have started to attend the college. College is the most important part of your life, so you want to make it count, and be the best experience possible, for you and no one else.

AW

Walk around the campus and/or town before you decide to go. Do you feel like you could be friends with some of the people you meet or see walking around? Could you live there for four years? Do people generally seem happy? You would probably be happy at several colleges. I visited quite a few and most of them were perfectly fine but didn't quite feel right. When I visited the school I ended up attending, I left with the feeling that I definitely wanted to come back. Before I started college, I considered myself shy. Put yourself out there. Talk to strangers. You are going to meet people you think are smarter, funnier and more talented than you. In reality, they are probably thinking the same thing when they meet you.

Mecca

Finding the right college: go with what feels like home. Making the most out of college: Study hard & party hard!

Derrick

In choosing the right college I would tell student and parents to take a thorough tour of the school. And along with that tour asks current students about both the education and social life of the school, because often college tours are not reflective of the actuality of the school. You also would want to attend a college that can foster your needs, if your need can't be fostered by a certain school then its not the right one in my opinion. In regards to making the most out of the college experience--You only get to attend college once. I myself feel that I haven't accomplished as much as I am capabale of through my first two years. Continue to do the things that you enjoy and change for the better not for the worse. Alot of people say that the most important thing in college is to get an education, but I feel that the most important things is to "grow" as a person. By the time you graduate you should be someone quite different from the entering student, someone whos is brighter, wiser, and able to make important decisions in regards to your life.

Ian

I would advise parents and students to visit a college or university before enrolling, especially if that school is out-of-state. Walk through the campus, sit in on a class, talk to some students, just try to get a general feel for the school and the community to make sure it's a good choice for you. Also, don't pay such close attention to rankings guides. The most competitive students tend to become obsessed with US News and World Report around senior year, but those guides cannot take into consideration factors like class size and assimilation into the student body, or whether a student will feel comfortable as part of the learning environment. The education received at a school is what each student makes it. You can take the most challenging courses at almost any school, get to know the professors and do research, and get an education of the highest quality. But doing that will be more difficult if you feel out of place, so make sure you attend the right school for YOU. Also, don't forget to check the price tag. As a recent college graduate, trust me - loans do not disappear.

Janie

Parents and/or students should choose their college based on which place makes them feel most comfortable and at home rather than basing the decision on college rankings, sports statistics or a prestigious reputation. Everyone's college experience can be very different and should reflect that person's qualities and interests. However, each student should try and give back to their college and the surrounding community in any way they can.

Jennie

Really look into a school before you decide to go there. Don't go somewhere for the name or the sports team. You should make sure it is the kind of place you would like. It's hard to know what kind of school is right for you before you ever go to college but asking about the student population is always useful. Also, don't try to go somewhere totally different just to get away because you might find that you miss what you left.

Megan

I think it's definitely beneficial to visit the campus before enrolling. I drove around UNC before I enrolled, but I never took an actual tour of the campus. I came to school and felt like everyone else was ahead of the game. It was easy for me to find out where everything was, but I had a hard time reaching out to make friends in such a big campus. I think it's important to take a tour and gather as much information as possible. Once you've done this with all the prospective colleges, compare the details: are you more comfortable in a largely populated setting or a smaller population? How about the financial aid package--which school caters best to your family's needs? Can you truly see yourself becoming a part of this community by getting involved? If you're confident in yourself, you have the ability to thrive in any setting. No matter where you go, I feel like that confidence will be tested, so you should be ready to embrace that challenge. It is important to go through college without surrending your ideals, it is important to stay true to yourself.

Gabriella

When choosing a college, it's important to remember that you'll be spending the next 4-or-so years of your life there. So consider everything. If you decide to change majors, will you have a program to fall back on? Will the quaint surrounding town feel too small, or the urban surroundings get overwhelming? That said, it's very important to listen to something less tangible: your instinct. If you step onto a campus and spend a little time visiting and something about it just feels right, don't ignore that feeling. Once at college, don't limit yourself to things you think you should be interested in, or should be doing. It's your chance to explore anything you want, so go for it. You'll never know if it's not your style until you try it-- so go-- go to comedy nights, concerts, forums, and films you've never heard of. You never know where you might meet a new friend or discover a new passion. College isn't all about classes-- although those are very important. It's about growing as a whole person... so stretch yourself out. Trust me, it won't hurt.

Whitney

A college education is what you make it. If you do not make it into your top choices, that is still ok. Colleges are very similar, with only minor differences. If you decide that you are going to be successful, then which college you attend is insignificant. Many people believe that the college degree is what determines their future. Just look for a college that you believe you can master and you college career with be awesoe- no matter where you go.

Christopher

Don't call it settling if you don't get into the college you want. There's something good about any school you attend. And don't relegate yourself to either in-state or out-of-state colleges because sometimes the best educations can be found within 20 minutes of your home.

Sierra

Visit every college that you are interested in to get a sense of which college fits your need best. Also explore the financial aid options which each school offers. The college experience is so much better when you do not have to worry about how you are going to pay for it. After visiting each university sit and decide if you prefer to be closer to home or farther away. Once you have made a checklist of the benefits of each university, make your decision. Simply choose the university which works best with your lifestyle. See what clubs and organizations they offer. Basically make sure the university that you choose is an university that possess the interest and characteristics which are important to you.

Heather

Go where it feels right!

Felicia

The best thing to remember is to visit the school, sit in on a lecture class (or a small class if the professor will allow it), go to a sporting event, sit in the quad because these are the ways to truly get a feel for the place. Don't be afraid to step outside of your bubble when you get to whatever school you are going to because you may be surprised about how you associated with other groups of people. Always try something new.

Meagan

Students should start looking as early as possible at colleges. Research schools based on the students' interests: which schools excel in a certain academic department, have good Varsity teams, a certain extracurricular activity, etc. Definitely go visit any college you are particularly interested in. Walk around the campus and surrounding area, go sit-in on a lecture, and talk with students about why they chose their school. First-hand experience is invaluable in order to get a true understanding of that school's culture and idealogy on education. In order to make the most of one's college experience, students need to get involved immediately in campus life. Whatever passions or interests you may have should be explored and pursued. Although it may be intimidating at first to make new friends or join new groups, it's important to make a conscious effort to try. When it comes to academics, take your classes seriously and don't procrastinate, because getting an education is the reason you're at college in the first place. But most importantly, keep an open mind and have some fun. These will be the best years of your life.

Susie

When selecting the best college, take care to talk about the area, the strongest academic programs, and the student life. The area is going to determine what weather, safety, and outdoor exercise issues will become a part of the student's daily life. In addition, the area determines job/internship opportunities, common social values, nearby religious institutions, expenses and even the pool of people to befriend or date. Considering academics is a basic; if the student is interested in journalism, make sure the school has up-to-date professors, technology and publications! No worries if the student has no clue what to study; just find a school with options, maybe a focus on liberal arts. Student life can be the most meaningful part of school! Check out the dining hall and restaurants, ask if there is a bowling alley or pool or movie theater, inquire how intense Greek life is, attend a sporting event, scope out the Facebook events, even observe how many kids are wearing clothing boasting of their school! College is what you make of it, but having a wide range of opportunities and quality people surrounding you can really encourage you to make it even more awesome!

Scott

Parents shouldn't be extremely influencial in a students decision on where to go to college. A student should find where they are comfortable and where they feel most at home. The best thing to do is actually visit a college and spend time on campus. Most likely a student will find a college where they feel at home.

Trey

Almost anyone can make the most out of any college. Just make sure you pursue what intrests you academically and also surround yourself with people with positive attitudes.

Caitlin

Make sure you visit the campus. It doesn't matter how good the school is supposed to be if you don't feel at home there.

KellyGiles

Visit. Then visit again. And visit a third time. Go on a rainy day, a sunny day, a summer day and a fall day. Go during exams. Be in and around the campus as much as possible, and that includes the surrounding community. Then do research. Read reviews online and in bookstores. Also visit the local Visitors Bureau to get a sense of the surrounding community. It'll help you learn about restaurants, night life and lots of other helpful relocation information. So often colleges forget that students really are relocating to a different community. The more you can educate yourself on your new town -- before you get there and after -- the more at home and comfortable you'll feel and the more you'll enjoy your college experience.

Saba

To learn how to enjoy life and keep school a priority at the same time.

Gabrielle

College is about finding the true you. This includes making lifelong friends, receiving a great education, choosing a career, and maturing into adulthood. So, the right college for you would be the college that would allow you to discover yourself at your own pace. The college you choose should allow you to feel comfortable in the college atmosphere as a whole, whether you are in your dorm room, in a classroom, or just walking around campus. If the college you choose is the right one for you, then you will be able to make the most of your college experience. You will excel in your academic studies and will want to be involved in as many social and extracurricular activities as possible. To really know if the college you choose is right for you, just look around and find at least one person that has similar interests and a similar personality as you. If you do, then you will definitely succeed at that college. Make sure the college you choose will allow you to have some great memories.